Who are We

[Bruce Bradley]

Who are We

I have often pondered this thought. I am sure all you out there have to. I am really interested in your thoughts and replies on this subject. I might learn what I haven’t got a clue about. I know that I am an American, but look deeper what about the human race. Where do you really think we came from?

There are several versions of creation. Even in ancient times they had different gods and they were thought to be responsible for the human creation. Religions of this time believed in several gods. Then since Christianity there has only been one true God.

You have Scientist who believed we evolved from a single cell that was just out there. If so where did the single cell come from? It is like, “What came first the chicken or the egg?” It sounds like they put the egg in front of the chicken. If we are from a single cell dthen where did the animals come from? Did they come from a single cell too? If so what decided what cell made a chicken or a human. It is mind boggling when you think about it. Every answer opens another question.

People have dedicated their lives to this subject and that was all they could come up with. At least they have now proven that Jesus did exist and die on a cross. They can prove that much of the bible is true. Does this mean it was way humans were created?

At the time religion was created the time was very chaotic and wild. It was used to maintain a peace among humans. Animals are not able to understand so what happens to them when they die. Are they innocent of Sin? Since they had to be created the same as we are is there a place in heaven for them?

They have now found space beyond our reaches. This is not mention in the bible. So do you think that an alien race started our stay on earth and someday they will be back to check on us? If this happens will it blow the theory of religion out of the water?

Like I said these are some of the questions and maybe you have some yourself, let’s put them out there and see what everyone thinks.

[Midas]

At least they have now proven that Jesus did exist and die on a cross.

Bruce, they have? When? It must be something I missed.

[Gadget Girl]

Scientists believe that we came from apes. I don't how that happened. Scientists believe that Earth was made by two huge rocks that clashed in space. But I don't believe it. I believe in God and He is the one who made all these stuffs we see on Earth. All the trees, air, animals, people, life. Even the aliens, the planets, the whole universe. Some may be asking, 'if God made all of these, where did He came from?'. This is what wonders me most. But I don't question it. God is there before time. He was always there.

My answer for this question, is that we came from the image of God. And that's it. There will be no question of who we are truly. It's already a fact. It will always be like that.

[NikolaiI]

I don't agree that God made us. I don't think birds think; there's a bird-god who made us. Because, it's true, birds can't think that expansively. But just because we're able to think of a God, doesn't mean it's true. I think the heavens and the earth came into existence; then life, and after millennia sentient human race developed. After that, we see the first signs of religion. Just my view.

About who we are- yes that is a good question. Am I an American? Is this really true? It's not something we generally question or consider. And yet, the first principles of whatever ontology we go by, these are important and worthy of study. To quote a source, "we need to learn the ground and the field of study we're going to cultivate, before we go into more advanced topics." What the author was talking about was the fallacy of ego or self, and how it's a thinking error which comes about by 5 successive misconceptions. The first is form; next are sensation, perception, mental formations, and consciousness. Our ego is made up of this- but we are not a self; we're just a cluster of processes. It's not something most Christians/Western thinkers are receptive to. It's not something to be questioned- who are we? People, children of God. What are we? People. It doesn't matter that Western philosophy has unearthed the truths of Buddhist ontology, as early as Nietzsche: when he said 'there is no "I"' and 'there is no thing.' Schopenhaur, too, it seems, somewhat understood this ontology. Who are we- what are we- fundamentally? This and language constitute ontology- or first principles. Can we logically say that we are persons? Is this true? By what do we know this is true? These questions might be seen as solipsic folderol, but I think it has merit. What are we? An ego? A self? I don't believe in the term of self- it's a metaphysical construction, which is fine; but our brains and hearts or whatever it would be located in- are more complex than all that. There are billions of brain neurons and networks that are all unique; and all of it changing all the time, so how can you call that a self? In fact for the same reason it's more accurate, perhaps, to think of things as an action- I am a person, but actually I am personning, coming or arising into existence and then fading from existence. I never am a person.

Language can stymie our efforts to understand; it's developed with a purpose to serve the culture we have, which is one of Ego. Our culture tells we are "I"'s, and if we never heard otherwise, we would never consider that we weren't necessarily all these "I"'s. As long as we think like this, we only have truly an intellectual connection to the world. I guess I'm ranting; I'll leave off it.

[crazefest456]

I'd like to explore the "chicken and the egg" situation...scientists are theorizing now, that subatomic particles (that make up the atoms, which make compounds, cells, tissues, etc..) are made of tiny vibrating strings. We believe that these theories are merely reducing our existence to this vulgar, minimal form, when actually, these are just models that help us (as tools, not definitions) point to our beginning. These models are just one shade of our bajillion faceted selves, and just show the perception from one angle. I guess, our beginnings, coinciding with other creatures (animals, plants, inorganic substances) just show that God created us equally (in essence) but man's right to rational thought, and choice is because we were privileged with this ability when created.
But, our physical creation poses no significance to our self; it is our use of mind, formation of traditions, tendency to submit to faith, and self-expression that really makes us who we are.

[Bruce Bradley]

If you have watched the History Channel, they have found many different stories in the bible to be true. They do know that Jesus existed and if he existed he must have been crucified. It doesn't prove the miracles the bible claims he did. That is up to everyone to believe or not.

Myself, I prefer to hold on to my faith that it happened. I like knowing there something after death to look forward to. I also believe that religion is necessary to prevent a world of chaos.

Bruce

Bruce

[blazeofglory]

Thid is a profound question, and indeed nobody could say who are us.

And I may say lots about it, but all will result in bunks of course, not in substance at all.

[crazefest456]

Thid is a profound question, and indeed nobody could say who are us.

And I may say lots about it, but all will result in bunks of course, not in substance at all.

that happens to me alot nowadays-- I see a very nice question about the meaning of life, or the existence of ourself, and then I just can't even DARE to reply because I now realize that there are an infinite number of responses (all of which are correct) due to the vast amount of views we could look from.
I love this absolute uncertainty about something I'm sure I'm certain...

[Etienne]

Do you know what you are?
You are what you is
You is what you am
(A cow don't make ham . . . )
You ain't what you're not
So see what you got
You are what you is
An' that's all it 'tis

-Frank Zappa

[Pensive]

Who are we? Probably question-marks?

[blazeofglory]

Do you know what you are?
You are what you is
You is what you am
(A cow don't make ham . . . )
You ain't what you're not
So see what you got
You are what you is
An' that's all it 'tis

-Frank Zappa

This is really a ground shattering expression. Damn all labels and we are what are. Why the hell do we philosophize what we are not. I am what I am as you are what you are. Why fragmentation? What identification? I am simple I am the way the dog is a dog, and the tiger is a tiger. The rest is bunk.

[blazeofglory]

If you have watched the History Channel, they have found many different stories in the bible to be true. They do know that Jesus existed and if he existed he must have been crucified. It doesn't prove the miracles the bible claims he did. That is up to everyone to believe or not.

Myself, I prefer to hold on to my faith that it happened. I like knowing there something after death to look forward to. I also believe that religion is necessary to prevent a world of chaos.

Bruce

Bruce

The story of Jesus is not documented with evidence, and it is a sheer matter of faith, and you can keep it to yourself personally indeed, and do not try to argue or convince others of its authenticity.

[blazeofglory]

Do you know what you are?
You are what you is
You is what you am
(A cow don't make ham . . . )
You ain't what you're not
So see what you got
You are what you is
An' that's all it 'tis

-Frank Zappa

This is the right answer I too think, for reality is reality and nothing else.
We are hypothetical and all we assume and presume are rootless facts, and no scientists or their theories or maxims or discoveries have taken us to truth in point of fact.

God? I am unsure God is the creator. Heaven and Hell? No I can not believe in these stuffs.

The one and only answer I arm myself with is: I do not know anything.

[Bruce Bradley]

Blaze,

All of history is know by the documentation that is left by our ancestors. It is strange that one man had so much of it written about him. Much that is know about History is really never know be 100% true. But when time is marked by a man's life we must assume that it had to be. I am talking AC and BC which is After Christ and Before Christ. For the whole world to have this in their beliefs who are we to challenge it. Plus there has never been a religion that has survived as long and changed as many lives as Christianity. Like it or not the truth is there staring you in the face. There has been many over time who have tried to stop it and failed. There has got to be something to it don't you think.

The most amazing thing is there were so many crucified in those times how could one man's death make such a mark on history. It is undeniable. Our lives are ours to live how we see fit, Christianity has branched in so different types of beliefs it makes hard know for sure what the rules are to live by. How does someone go to heaven that has never known Christ. It's simple for everyone, God has instilled in each and every one of us to know right from wrong. If you listen to this voice and go the direction it tells you, you will always be fine.

Some are just so obsessed with money it rules their lives. Then when they get old that money can't buy them youth and happiness. Only your family and friends will be there for you. This why I say that your children are our eternal life and it good to have a family. When it happens it can change your whole life if you let it. I could write forever on this and you would get bored with reading it so I going to close now. Life is short and don't let it get away from you. It is here for us to enjoy if you know how. Live right have a family and take time to enjoy what God has given us.

It is really pretty easy, God doesn't ask for much. I can't believe people have such a problem excepting it. This just something for you ponder. As always thanks for your replies and I hope you have a wonderful day.

Bruce

[jgweed]

"All of history is know by the documentation that is left by our ancestors. It is strange that one man had so much of it written about him. Much that is know about History is really never know be 100% true. But when time is marked by a man's life we must assume that it had to be. I am talking AC and BC which is After Christ and Before Christ. For the whole world to have this in their beliefs who are we to challenge it. Plus there has never been a religion that has survived as long and changed as many lives as Christianity. Like it or not the truth is there staring you in the face. There has been many over time who have tried to stop it and failed. There has got to be something to it don't you think."

No I don't, as a matter of fact.
Comments:
1.Certainly we are not solely dependent for our historical knowledge on the existence of texts; hence paleontology, numismatics, archeology, and geology.
2.Contemporary references to the life of Jesus are, outside of Christian texts, relatively few and certainly less than, for example, Sokrates. Since neither of these people took the time to actually write anything, our knowledge of both is limited to the accounts of their lives and thoughts by contemporaries. If Sokrates had his Plato, then Jesus had his Paul.
3.Not all the world divides history into AC and BC; and even it were true, the division is explained by the dominance of Western European civilisation and its Christian heritage.
4.That Christianity (ignoring the presence of various sects, heresies, and amalgamations with local superstitions) has existed for so long, or has been believed by so many people, is no argument for its truth supposedly staring us in the face.
5.Furthermore this argument seems to rely on Christianity being one particular set of beliefs. Both with Jesus and Sokrates, their supposed teachings have been the fountainhead for many divergent schools of thought and dogma. Some of these have survived, some have disappeared in the historical morass of neglect.